Nominating petitions and Qualifying petitions (for candidates without party affiliation that run for a partisan office) are available from election officials on the county and local level. The type of petition needed depends on the office sought and party affiliation. Michigan Election Law determines the format of the petitions candidates use when collecting signatures (P.A. 116 Section 168.544c).
Candidates can determine the number of signatures required on a nominating petition by contacting the filing official.
Candidates may make photo copies of the petition provided the copies are exactly the same as the original petitions.
Filing Fees in Lieu of Petitions
Candidates who are affiliated with the Democratic & Republican parties that are running for the offices of state senator, state representative, any county office and any township office may file a $100 nonrefundable fee instead of filing a partisan nominating petition.
Any school board or candidate may file a $100 nonrefundable fee.
Ann Arbor District Library, Salem-South Lyon District Library, and Ypsilanti District Library Board candidates may file a $100 nonrefundable fee.
Persons wishing to run with no party affiliation must file qualifying petitions and may not file a fee.